Colorado State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Colorado State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Colorado State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Colorado State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Colorado. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Arkansas Headwaters

    The AHRA – and its avid patrons – follow the beautiful but unpredictable, wild-to-mild river for 150 miles from the historic town of Leadville, through the Sawatch mountain range and Colorado’s tallest mountains, all the way down to Pueblo on the edge of Colorado’s plains.

  • Barr Lake

    Bicyclists of all ages and abilities, nature hikers and horseback riders enjoy the level 8.8-mile multi-use trail that circles the lake, passing by several wildlife viewing stations and the park’s wildlife refuge. More than 350 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Numerous bald eagles winter at Barr Lake and one pair stays to nest and raise its young every year. Barr Lake’s Nature Center has displays about the park’s wildlife and you can have your questions answered by a naturalist. Visit the Division of Wildflife for more information.

  • Bonny Lake

    Bonny Lake State Park, which will become part of the South Republican State Wildlife Area on Saturday, Oct. 1, is closing some campgrounds and other visitor services. East Beach campground will remain open with primitive camping. (No water or electric). North Cove closed November 1 due to the waterfowl closure.

  • Boyd Lake

    All types of watercraft: ski boats, fishing boats, jet skis, sailboats, canoes, use Boyd Lake's 1,700 surface-acres of water. Boyd also has a sandy beach and a pavilion for swimmers. Boyd Lake State Park also has a modern campground with 148 paved pull-through sites that can accomodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length. For an aerial view of the Cottonwood Campground Click Here. You can zoom in & out on the document.

  • Castlewood Canyon

    Nature lovers and groups enjoy environmental diversity on several hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate. The trails range from .5 to 4 miles and can be combined for longer journeys.  The winding Cherry Creek flowing along the canyon floor provides wonderful rest stops.  Pets, on a leash, are welcome on most trails, except the new East Canyon Preservation Area trail. 

  • Chatfield

    Campers have their choice of 197 campsites all with electrical hookups and many with full hookups (water, sewer and electric), in four campgrounds at Chatfield. All campsites are within walking distance to the lake and have picnic tables and grills. Facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, laundry, centrally located water, fire ring and a sanitary waste station. In addition to the 197 single-family campsites offered at Chatfield, there are ten reservable Group Camping sites available. Please call the Park Office at (303) 791-7275 for more information or to reserve a Group campsite.

  • Cherry Creek

    Anchored around a 880 surface acre reservoir, the park offers a natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills and complete outdoor recreation facilities, including camping, picnicking and facilities for group events.

  • Cheyenne Mountain

    You don't have to go far to get away. Colorado’s newest state park is nestled in the landscape that inspired the song, “America the Beautiful.” Enter this park and marvel at the mountains above and the Colorado Springs skyline below.

  • Crawford

    The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is close by, so it’s easy to imagine the inspiring scenery found here. Crawford State Park invites anglers, boaters, hikers and water sports enthusiasts to the western slope, for one day or several.

  • Eldorado Canyon

    Eldorado Canyon is a hidden treasure right in Boulder’s backyard! Whether it’s hiking amidst the towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking along scenic South Boulder Creek or climbing Eldo's sheer golden walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park truly has something for everyone! Discover this hidden jewel and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Eleven Mile

    Anglers and writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration.

  • Elkhead

    This 900 acre reservoir provides endless recreational opportunities. They include, but are not limited to, boating, swimming, jet skiing, skiing, picnicking, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, meeting friends and neighbors, bird watching, biking, horseback riding hunting and fishing and many photo opportunities.

  • Golden Gate Canyon

    More than 12,000 acres of dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-rimmed meadows laced with miles of trails awaiting the hiker, horseback rider, mountain biker and winter sports enthusiast at Golden Gate State Park.

  • Harvey Gap

    Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike at Harvey Gap. Boats with motors 20 hp or less and canoes are welcome. Ice Fishing draws anglers to Harvey Gap in the winter. Before heading to the park, check the current fishing and ice conditions. The reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full.

  • Highline Lake

    No matter the season, Highline Lake State Park is a diverse and welcome retreat. Connected to miles of trails and close to communities, the park makes an ideal base camp for exploring the Grand Junction area. Whether passing through on mountain bikes, or as an end destination, the park welcomes campers, anglers, families and groups.

  • Jackson Lake

    Jackson Lake is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land based recreational facilities found here.

  • James M. Robb - Colorado River

    The Colorado River State Park was renamed James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park in 2005 to honor a visionary.  Mr. Robb was instrumental in creating this “string of pearls,” or five distinct sections, that are this park.

  • John Martin Reservoir

    Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin is a peaceful paradise in which people play, birds flock and wildlife roams. The park is close to historic landmarks, yet remote enough to attract year-round nature and recreation lovers to stay and explore.

  • Lake Pueblo

    Lake Pueblo, rated a fishing “hot spot,” provides over 4,600 surface acres of water, 60 miles of shoreline and almost 10,000 acres of land. Along with the sunny days and a mild year-round climate, visitors quickly learn that one day is not enough.

  • Lathrop

    The park’s two lakes offer a variety of boating and angling opportunities for all types of water recreation. Martin Lake offers water skiing, power and sail boating. Because Martin is a warm-water lake, it makes it great for swimmers. Horseshoe Lake is a peaceful haven for canoeists, kayakers, sailors and other boaters at wakeless speeds. Catfish, bass, walleye, trout and blue gill thrive in both lakes. Horseshoe Lake is known for its large tiger muskies.

  • Lone Mesa

    The park is closed to general public access while development and management planning is in progress. However, a Special Use Permit program allows limited public hunting during the big game seasons, as the park includes fantastic elk, deer and bear habitat. Along with oversight of the public hunting program, management of Lone Mesa includes monitoring of a livestock grazing lease and other Special Use Permits, involvement in volunteer and other service partnerships, and operation of a Visitor Center in Dolores. The Dolores office provides OHV, snowmobile and boat registrations. You can call the Dolores office at (970) 882-2213.

  • Lory

    From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park's 26 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails is great for short or long hikes, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and jogs. Backcountry camping is also available for visitors looking for a quiet getaway close to suburban Fort Collins.

  • Mancos

    In the spring, summer and fall, canoeists, kayakers and wakeless power boaters enjoy the calm waters of Jackson Gulch Reservoir. In the winter depending on conditions there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Fishing enthusiasts have pulled numerous species of fish, including yellow perch and rainbow trout, out of the reservoir. Travelers from other parts of the state and country use Mancos State Park as their camping headquarters when they visit the numerous attractions in the area, including Mesa Verde National Park, the San Juan Skyway, Public Lands, and Durango.

  • Mueller

    A popular Watchable Wildlife Area, Mueller is home to elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer. Park visitors traverse the park’s numerous trails on foot, snowshoes, cross-country skis, horseback and mountain bike, depending on the season. A popular winter destination for snow tubing.

  • Navajo

    Boaters and campers enjoy the park year-round. Houseboaters and other power boaters cruise some of the 15,000 surface-acres of the giant reservoir. Daily and seasonal slip and mooring ball rentals and gasoline for boats are available at the park’s Two Rivers Marina.

  • North Sterling

    This large, spacious reservoir on the high plains draws locals and tourists alike from May through September and waterfowl hunters during the hunting season.  North Sterling State Park is a gateway to fun and relaxation. Elks Campground is open year-round.

  • Paonia

    Camp near a babbling stream, water-ski on a mountain reservoir, have a picnic, observe wildlife, all in view of the majestic Ragged Mountains. The park's natural beauty and abundance of wildflowers make it a "must see" for photographers and nature lovers.

  • Pearl Lake

    Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, this peaceful park sits in a quiet forest setting. Surrounded by mountains and trees, visitors camp along the lake and up a gentle hill.

  • Ridgway

    Only 15 miles from the town of Ouray, Ridgway's great outdoors - the "Switzerland of America" - welcomes those from near and far. The park’s popular campgrounds, beautiful reservoir, picnic and playground areas, extensive trails, and diverse wildlife offer year-round activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Come enjoy our swimbeach too!

  • Rifle Falls

    The falls is a lush area of trees and greenery kept moist by the spray of the cascading triple waterfall. Picnicking near the falls is very popular. Mysterious limestone caves beneath the falls entice spelunkers and other curious visitors to explore their dark depths. Because of its dramatic setting, many weddings and events have been held at Rifle Falls.

  • Rifle Gap

    The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to water-skiers, jet-skiers and power boaters. Rifle Gap often has good conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The beach on the west side of the reservoir is popular for its swimming  Rifle Gap anglers catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch.

  • Roxborough

    Roxborough is a Colorado Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark for good reason. The park, with close to 4000-acres, is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities, and a host of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer.

  • San Luis

    In the shadow of the Great Sand Dunes National Park is peaceful San Luis State Park and Wildlife Area. Waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors fill the sky over this unique desert ecosystem, making San Luis an outstanding watchable wildlife area most of the year.

  • Spinney Mountain

    For gold medal fishing, it’d be hard to find any better than Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Anglers can find shoreline or fly fishing, belly boating or trolling opportunities in a peaceful and scenic setting. Check the Conditions page for current fishing conditions.

  • St. Vrain

    Ponds that are home to graceful Egrets, white Pelicans and tall Cormorants, invite vistors to observe and enjoy nature to the fullest.  The Park has great new facillities, with more under construction, such as additional hiking trails and Blue Heron Reservoir opening in the near future.

  • Stagecoach

    A year-round destination, the park also makes a great base to explore the variety of sports and attractions of the area. An array of activities await with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.

  • State Forest

    The ultimate in rugged Colorado, State Forest State Park offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails.  The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range. 

  • Staunton

    Staunton State Park is expected to open as the 43rd State Park in the Colorado State Park System.  The park is currently not open to the public and will remain closed until a full public planning process is completed and park infrastructure has been constructed.

  • Steamboat Lake

    One of the true jewels of Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has something special for everyone.  Whatever your preference, well-deserved relaxation and recreation awaits you.

  • Sweitzer Lake

    It started out as a community dream.  This lake based retreat for the Western Slope provides day-use nature, picnic and water recreation.

  • Sylvan Lake

    Sylvan provides serenity in an alpine park perfect for daydreaming. Non-motorized boating and non-electrical camping offer the opportunity for quiet recreation at this gateway to the White River National Forest and the Holy Cross Wilderness.

  • Trinidad Lake

    The mild climate and large lake are ideal for water sports. Anglers catch rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. All types of boaters appreciate the open waters and modern services. 

  • Vega

    The boat ramps are now open for a fun season of boating, fishing, sailing, and water skiing.  Be sure to stop at the Entrance ANS station to have your boat inspected before launching.  Vega is great year round for birding, hiking among the changing aspen, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobilers  and off-highway vehicle riders can access hundreds of miles of trails in Grand Mesa National Forest from Vega Early Settlers campground, cabins or OHV lot.

  • Yampa River

    The Headquarters on the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado, provides excellent camping, a Visitor Center and nature trail. The Headquarters has 50 camp sites; 35 are RV electric sites, 10 tent sites and five sites for group camping. The proximity to Hwy 40 makes the Headquarters the base camp for many outdoor activities in the Steamboat area: hunting, fishing, and OHV riding.